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11.11.16

Ten Expert Secrets About Makeup Brushes That Will Change The Way You Use Them

(In Partnership With QVS Beauty) SPONSORED FEATURE

I never thought I'd be that girl that had a million different makeup brushes on her dressing table. Up until a few years ago I barely had an eyeshadow brush at my disposal, preferring to use the warmth and durability of my own fingers to apply everything from foundation to eyeshadow and even a touch of blusher. Oh how things have changed. I use roughly eight brushes every time I apply my makeup, creating a much more uniform and long-lasting result that's really upped my game; even if I tried to revert back to old habits I simply couldn't bring myself to do so (proven by the painful times I've forgotten even one essential tool on holiday.) If you've been following my series with QVS Beauty, you'll be pretty wised up on beauty tools and the best ways to use them already, but we could all do with a little extra knowledge or integrating a new trick into our routine right? Well you're in luck, because I've pulled together a list of the ten expert tips you need to know...

1. For a lighter or dewier finish, use your sponges or blending tools wet. Running them under a warm tap and blotting away excess water before dipping them in foundation will help it to set lighter and provide a more radiant finish.

2. To reduce the amount of liquid product your using (and wasting,) it's always best to opt for synthetic brushes. The bristles won't absorb your foundation or concealer, giving you not only a cleaner finish but ensuring each bottle lasts for even longer.

3. If you tend to create a bit of a mess when attempting a smokey eye, then a clean fluffy brush can be used to dust off excess eyeshadow; it can also be used to buff away over zealous bronzer application and generally help to blend together any obvious lines.

4. Don't be bogged down by the brush's description. Most makeup brushes can be used for multiple techniques, so don't always just use them for their intended purpose - I've been known to adopt a lip brush as an eyeshadow buffer, as well as a bronzer brush for applying foundation.

5. The skill of great makeup application is all in the blending. Fluffy brushes can be used to blend together eyeshadow colours and create every look imaginable - but when you think you're done, you're not. Blend a little more and see how much better it looks.

6. Cleaning your tools is the secret to success - you can't use a dodgy, dirty and old paintbrush to decorate a wall. Get rid of makeup build up weekly by cleansing in brush or baby shampoo until the water runs clear; lay them flat on kitchen roll so they dry effectively and quickly.

7. When cleaning your tools, be careful not to damage them with excessive pressure; also avoid soaking them in brush cleaner as it can dissolve the glue that holds the bristles together.

8. Avoid using one brush with multiple colours, as you won't achieve the desired colour result. Always use a separate brushes for different shades of eyeshadow (or for bronzing/highlighting) even if you have five of the same tool.

9. You don't have to spend a fortune on makeup brushes to get a tool that
offers great quality. Look for a symmetrical brush head that doesn't
have any loose bristles, as well as a ferrule (the metal bit) that's
secure; this will ensure your brush stays effective in the long-term.

10. As soon as your makeup brushes start to look or feel tatty, they need replacing. Although good quality brushes can last for years if they're well looked after, no brush will work effectively indefinitely. Have a good sort through every six months and throw away any brushes that have seen better days. (Need some new ones? Check out the affordable collection from QVS Beauty here!)

Do you have any other top makeup brush or application tips that will change up the way we all use our tools?

QVS brushes are available from Amazon, as well as in ASDA & Tesco supermarkets nationwide. Prices start from as little as £2.50.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of QVS Beauty; all opinions and recommendations my own.